Welcome to one of the newest shops on Kelleys Island! This fine establishment is located at 113 Division Street, Kelleys Island, Ohio. It is in the beloved space once flourishing with the energy of Islander Tina Callari and her business Chicklet’s Closet. To keep her memory alive, the owner, Islander Pam Warner, keeps a memory book for friends, acquaintances, family and grateful clients to share a fond memory and to help others through this grieving process.
The idea for The Bridge Off the Island originated with an encounter between the owner, Pam Warner and her now deceased husband, Paul, with a couple of “lost tourists.” The visitors sped by the Warner’s home on Ward Road looking for the bridge off the island. Once they discovered that Ward Road ends at the lake (with no bridge), they returned down Ward Road stopping at the Warners to ask for directions to the bridge off the island. Pam and Paul had been in the front lawn burning out a tree trunk. They could hardly contain themselves as the tourists swore they arrived on the island by crossing a bridge. Pam kindly explained that possibly they crossed the Edison bridge, but to get here (to KI) they boarded a big Orange Boat. Pam reminded them to look for the tickets they would have purchased. The young man looked, found the tickets, and exclaimed, “Oh that’s what these are for!” After the Warners gave them directions to the boat and how to board the boat, the couple departed. You can imagine the laughter that followed and the fun the Warners had recalling this story. Paul and Pam said on that day that if they ever had a shop, they would name it The Bridge Off The Island!
It was not under the happiest circumstances that the new shop evolved. Paul Warner, Pam’s husband, passed away recently after her retirement from Ehove Career Center as the lead instructor of the school for Cosmetology.
Sadly, the space occupied by Chicklet’s Closet became available for the new shops’ location, after the passing of beloved islander Tina Callari. Although Pam had worked for Tina and they had communicated about a business transfer, it was unable to happen. Although Tina could not sell her business, she was able to verbalize that Pam gets the first opportunity at the shop space. Pam was informed of this and gratefully accepted. The Bridge Off The Island was found! As they say, one door closes and another door opens!
Pam told me that her shop is a little bit Tina (Unsalted, MonaB and Clear Ray Bags, OSU and KI glass ware and insulated mugs, themed tea towels, Men’s and Women’s casual beach wear), a little bit Vi (garden décor, leather journal books, jewelry) and a little bit Pam! Pam will continue to carry the seasonal Island ornament that we all love! Stop at the Bridge Off The Island to pre-order your holiday ornament and to check out the items Pam has to offer.
As her website expresses; “Our goal is to create a welcoming space in downtown Kelleys Island where every visitor feels at home. We strive to offer thoughtfully chosen pieces that bring joy, comfort, and a touch of island charm into everyday life. Through our collection, we hope to create lasting memories and help you carry a little piece of the island with you wherever you go!”
The website for The Bridge Off The Island is www.thebridgeofftheisland.com. The phone number for the shop is 419-746-3113. The hours are currently Wednesday-Monday from 10am to 8pm or varies. Pam has valued support from her son Seth and his family, including Glade Phon Phong, other loved family members and employee Lori Boniface. Welcome and Good luck to Pam and her supporters in their new business venture on Kelleys Island.
